ClassNK issues approval in principle (AiP) for hydrogen-fueled engine compatible oil tanker – Part D of ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels’ setting safety requirements for hydrogen-fueled ships was applied for first time –

02 July 2024 – ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a design concept of the hydrogen-fueled engine compatible 5,000KL oil tanker with electric propulsion system developed by UYENO TRANSTECH LTD., YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. This is the world’s first AiP certification for the design of an oil tanker using liquefied hydrogen as a fuel.

From left:
Mr. Tetsuya Kikyo, Program Director Ocean and Maritime Division Ocean Affairs Department, The Nippon Foundation
Mr. Masaki Matsunaga, Executive Vice President / Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK
Mr. Gen Uyeno, President & COO, Uyeno Transtech
Mr. Akihiro Tomita, General Manager Executive Officer Marine Products Sales and Marketing Division Large Power Products Business, Yanmar Power Technology
Mr. Yasunori Kohatake, President Representative Director, Mitsui E&S shipbuilding

The ship was designed as part of the ‘Development of Large-scale Hydrogen-fueled Domestic Tanker and Demonstration of Zero-Emission Ships’ project by the Nippon Foundation.

ClassNK carried out a review of a design concept of the ship based on its rules including part GF of its ‘Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships’ incorporating the IGF Code, Part D of ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels; Guidelines for Ships Using Hydrogen as Fuel (Edition 3.0.0)’, and ‘Guidelines for Fuel Cell Power Systems On Board Ships (Second Edition)’. Upon confirming they comply with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK issued the AiP. This is the first AiP issued through the review based on Part D of ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels’, released in May 2024*1.

ClassNK will contribute to the further consideration of the project from the perspective of safety evaluation and will strive to support the decarbonization of shipping.

*1 Related Press Release: ClassNK releases ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.0)’ -adding safety requirements for hydrogen-fueled ships-
https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/en/hp_news.aspx?id=11502&type=press_release&layout=1

Approval in Principle (AiP):
At the initial stage of designing or before the specific target ship to be implemented is decided, the design is examined based on the existing regulations such as international conventions and ship classification rules, and an Approval in Principle (AiP) is issued as proof of conformity with requirements. It also prevents rework of regulatory aspects in the post-process, shortens the examination time at the time of class registration, and can be used as a technical basis for external appeal of the design status. For more information, visit our website.